1. religion and spirituality

THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
January 2015
PITTSBURGH
THE CHALICE
C O N N E C T
+
I N S P I R E
+
S E R V E
FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER
~ The Rev. Dr. David Herndon
For several years, AK Molteni has cheerfully provided essential behind-the-scenes
assistance for the Family Choir on Tuesday evenings. He has helped with dinner
preparations, replenished serving bowls, run the dishes through the dishwasher
after dinner, and carefully stored leftovers in the refrigerator.
On Tuesday, December 16, members of the Family Choir recognized and thanked
AK for his many contributions to the success of our multigenerational performing
arts group. AK’s bright smile, pictured below, was only one of many smiles in the
room as we showed our appreciation for his devoted effort!
Volume 16, No. 1
Inside this issue:
Worship
4
Music and the
Arts
5
Lifespan Faith
Development
The
Meetinghouse
Children and
Youth Ministries
At First Unitarian Church, many church members and friends contribute to our
shared ministry. We could probably have a ceremony of recognition and
appreciation twice each week for a year for our many devoted volunteers and
still have many more people to thank!
In the small lay-led Unitarian Universalist congregations my family attended when I
was a child, we had no staff members. Whatever we did, we did ourselves, from
leading Sunday services to keeping track of finances to organizing the Sunday
school for children and youth.
6
8
Social
Responsibility
10
Caring
Community
15
Stewardship
-Board Report
17
17
Denominational
Connections
22
January 2015
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER
...in the long
run, program
staff members
who have
intentionally
and
thoughtfully
devoted their
time to
strengthening
the ministry of
the lay people
will have served
their
congregations
in the most
effective way.
(continued)
I learned an important insight from these all-volunteer congregations. The insight
was that the ministry of a congregation really resides in the hands and hearts of
the members and friends of that congregation.
Nevertheless, most Unitarian Universalist congregations choose to establish
partnerships with staff members who can boost the ministry of the lay people.
Sometimes this boost comes in the form of assistance with administrative or
custodial services. On the other hand, sometimes this boost comes in the form of
assistance with worship, lifespan faith development, social justice, and performing
arts.
Program staff members serve a church most effectively when they can strengthen
the ministry of the lay people with whom they are in partnership. Program staff
members can be Coaches, Mentors, Teachers, Equippers, and Connectors, thereby
bringing out the best in those they serve. Staff members can be Multipliers, as
described by Liz Wiseman in her book Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make
Everyone Smarter. It may be expedient or convenient in the short run for program
staff members to do things that church members could do perfectly well. But in the
long run, program staff members who have intentionally and thoughtfully devoted
their time to strengthening the ministry of the lay people will have served their
congregations in the most effective way.
We have a lot of staff members here at First Unitarian Church. Most are part-time.
All have been hired to support and strengthen the shared ministry of the members
and friends of our church, keeping in mind that the shared ministry of our church
takes many forms, including humanitarian service to the larger community, spiritual
nurture of our children and youth, artistic expression through the performing arts,
caring for one another, justice work, congregational leadership, worship
celebrations, and so on. Staff members are here to support YOU as you express
your deepest commitment to make the world a better place in accord with our
shared Unitarian Universalist values and our shared progressive vision. Our
reward is to see you smile as your individual devoted effort becomes an
important part of our collective shared ministry! (See the picture above for a
reminder!)
Rev. David
Rev. Dr. David
Herndon
Senior Minister
Contact at:
412-621-8008 x102
[email protected]
2
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
January 2015
ROBIN’S BIRD’S EYE VIEW
~ The Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker
The Rose Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl, the Outback Bowl, and the Gator Bowl. What do
they have in common? New Years Day, of course. And what does New Years
Day often bring (in addition to football)? Resolutions, or at least, inklings of a
desire or need for change and growth. There may also be a sense of dread that
“here we go again…I make resolutions and then fumble the ball by February.”
Often, simple tools and rituals can get us started and keep us on track.
The other day I was talking with a colleague about just that - how she and I might
structure a process for spiritual and personal growth in 2015, and coincidentally,
the ritual we devised also involves four small bowls (but no shoulder pads). You
could make this a daily or weekly ritual, or on some other schedule that feels
manageable.
The first bowl is for gratitude and blessings. Each morning, write on a small slip of
paper a reason for gratitude or a blessing in your life and place it in the bowl.
The next morning, read one of the slips already in the bowl and add another.
Repeat this process, reviewing and renewing your sense of blessing.
The second bowl is for growing edges. Each morning, write on a small slip of
paper a way in which you feel the need or desire to grow in any aspect of your
life –personal, professional, relational or spiritual - and place it in the bowl. The
next morning, read one of the slips already in the bowl and add another.
Repeat this process, reviewing and renewing your commitment to evolve and
grow.
Remember that
the quarterback
moves the team
down the field in
small increments
towards the goal.
So, let’s take it one
“down” at a time.
We’ll go slow, but
we’ll go big. We
are Steeler
Nation, after all.
The third bowl is for challenges met. Each evening, write on a small slip of paper
one way you smoothed a growing edge or a challenge met that day and place
it in the bowl. The next evening, read one of the slips already in the bowl and
add another. Repeat this process, reviewing and renewing your sense of ability
to deepen on the path.
The fourth bowl is for self-care. Each evening, write on a small slip of paper one
way you’d like to take better care of yourself and place it in the bowl. The next
evening, read one of the slips already in the bowl and add another. Repeat this
process, reviewing and renewing your sense of commitment to caring for
yourself.
As I move through this ritual myself, I’ll be repeating my favorite mantra: “Small
things often.” Remember that the quarterback moves the team down the field in
small increments towards the goal. So, let’s take it one “down” at a time. We’ll
go slow, but we’ll go big. We are Steeler Nation, after all.
In faith,
Rev. Robin
3
Rev. Robin
Landerman
Zucker
Assistant Minister
Contact at:
412-621-8008 x110
412-727-6870
(home study)
flowingforce@
verizon.net
Office hours by
arrangement.
January 2015
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
WORSHIP
A M O N T H O F S U N DAY S :
Wo r s h i p S e r v i c e s i n J a n u a r y
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4
Spiritual
Theme
for January:
RIGHT AND
WRONG
What does our
Unitarian
Universalist
tradition say to us
about right and
wrong? How do we
know what is right
and what is
wrong? How can
we best instill in
our children a
sense of right and
wrong? How do we
account for the
discrepancy
between knowing
and doing with
regard to right and
wrong? Can we
grow in our
capacity for doing
what is right and
avoiding what is
wrong? Are some
wrong actions
unavoidable?
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
The Rev. Dr. David Herndon, Senior
Dave Dunn, Intern Minister. “A New
Minister. “A Fresh Start”
Age of Exploration”
It’s January – time for a fresh start!
It is thought that the age of
What purpose do you bring to this
exploration is over; that all lands that
new year? What do you want to
can be known are known. We are at
accomplish? At First Unitarian Church,
the apex of evolution and modernity
what shared purpose do we bring to
and believe that exploration is a thing
this new year, and what shall we
of the past. How does Martin Luther
accomplish together? How will our
King, Jr call upon us to usher in a new
individual or shared sense of purpose
age of exploration?
guide our lives as family members,
church members, and citizens of this
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25
country? Our worship celebration will The Rev. Dr. David Herndon, Senior
include a few moments for reflective
Minister. “Right Relations”
writing.
What holds us together as a religious
community? What does it mean to be
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11
in covenantal relationships with one
The Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker,
another? Can we think of our seven
Assistant Minister. “A Garden
Unitarian Universalist principles as
Grows in Larimer”
constant companions guiding our
behavior? What is our Right Relations
As some of Pittsburgh’s more blighted
neighborhoods become increasingly
Policy? What is our Behavioral
Covenant? How can we best respond
revitalized (both enhancing and
disrupting the community in a delicate
as a community when we encounter
balance), how can the people and
behavior that appears to be outside
the boundaries of our covenant with
planners and developers employ the
concept of “urban alchemy” to
one another? How does our
prevent a loss of identity and culture
aspiration to become a more anti(or “root shock”)? While our gritty,
racist, anti-oppressive, multicultural
pretty city turns up on nearly every
congregation contribute to our
“trending place to live” list, how do
conversation about covenantal
we keep from becoming invaded and
relationships?
“Brooklynized” along the way? We’ll
also explore how we might apply a
SUNDAY CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE
similar ethos to foster congregational
Allison Haley
Louise Jencik (chair)
alchemy and personal alchemy as
Ward
Kelsey
Marty Lieb
we thoughtfully grow, change, and
Bruce McConachie Stephanie Pawlowski
seek our own renewal as everJean Peterson
Scott Smith
evolving individuals in community.
Pat Trudeau
4
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
January 2015
PITTSBURGH
MUSIC AND THE ARTS
I n
t h e
U n d e r c r o f t G a l l e r y
January 2015
Rochelle Sher man
Rochelle Sherman has worked in the media of photography, printmaking, weaving
and collage; she now paints in acrylics producing abstract images that at times
evoke natural settings. Her paintings play with shapes and color in space
stimulating the visual senses. Rochelle’s artwork is influenced by the many places
she has lived and studied: California, Israel, Philadelphia and now Pittsburgh. She
will be showing her current work as well as her collages in this exhibit.
Opening Reception: Sunday, January 4 after the 11:00 a.m.
worship service.
SongSpace
at
First Unitarian
SongSpace at First
Unitarian is a
celebration of folk, old
-time, bluegrass,
singer-songwriter
and world music,
featuring local,
regional and national
artists. We are
dedicated to
establishing a joyful
and meaningful space
both for making and
listening to quality
music.
FAMILY CHOIR
The Family Choir provides an
opportunity for families to sing
together and to create a friendly,
informal, supportive community. From
September through May, with a break
in January, rehearsals take place on
most Tuesday evenings, 6:30 to 7:15
p.m. preceded by a simple meal
served from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Family
Choir provides music for the 9:30 and
11:00 a.m. services about once each
month and for the Family Christmas Eve
Service.
All kinds of families are invited to be
part of the Family Choir! New families
are welcome at any time. You can find
the current Family Choir rehearsal and
performance schedule as well as the
Family Choir registration form on the
church website, www.first-unitarianpgh.org. Just follow the “Getting
Involved” link and the “Music and
Performing Arts” link.
5
Visit us at
www.uusongspace.com,
like us at facebook.com/
songspace, and follow us
on Twitter!
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
January 2015
LIFESPAN FAITH DEVELOPMENT
T H E M E E T I N G H O U S E AT F I R S T U N ITA R I A N
~ A Gathering Place for Adult Learners
and Seekers
Welcome to “The Meetinghouse” – our gathering place for adult learners and
seekers at First Unitarian Church. As Unitarianism developed in America,
congregations often met in buildings called meetinghouses, because learning, civic
discourse, and religious activity all took place there. In this way, the concept of
the Meetinghouse captures our mission and vision for our programs for adult
learners and seekers.
These offerings are divided into four paths that lead to and from the
Meetinghouse – Membership/UU Core, Spiritual Growth, Social Responsibility,
and Leadership. The program guide with complete descriptions and registration
links on our website will be available in January. To register on the website, click
“Our Shared Ministry,” then “Lifespan Faith Development,” and then “Adult Faith
Development.”
If you have an idea for a Meetinghouse program or have questions, please
contact committee chair, Julie Childers, 412- 726-3590; [email protected]
or Rev. Robin Zucker at 412-727-6870; [email protected].
Other groups within our congregation also offer and sponsor programs,
especially musical affinity groups and Social Action groups such as the Green
Sanctuary Committee and Multicultural Transition Team, so keep an eye out for
details about these programs in your order of service and future newsletters!
See you at the Meetinghouse!
WINTER/SPRING PROGRAM PREVIEW:
POP-UP INSTITUUTE: Save the Date - PATH TO MEMBERSHIP AND UNITARIAN
UNIVERSALIST IDENTITY:
Saturday, March 14, 2015, 9:00 a.m.
- 3:30 p.m. featuring The Art of

Membership Orientations
Falling Safely with Barbara Litt;
Three Sundays: Feb 22, Mar 1 and
Gratitude and the Happiness
8.
12:30 - 2:15 p.m.
Advantage with Dave Russell; The
Three Sundays: Apr 12, 19 and
Inspired Energy Citizen with Kirsi
26. 12:30 - 2:15 p.m.
Jansa; UU Parenting with Jen
Leaders: Rev. David Herndon and
Halperin; Conflict Zen with Rev. Robin
members of the Membership
Zucker; and a creative Soul Collage
Committee.
workshop with Mary Schinhofen.

The Epic of Unitarianism
Four Thursdays, Feb 26, Mar 5, 12
and 19. 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Leader:
Dave Dunn, Intern Minister.
6
Registration
for Adult Faith
Development
Classes
Please register in
advance for courses and
programs so we can
prepare for the proper
number. If you decide
not attend, please cancel
your registration
promptly.
ONLINE
REGISTRATION
PROCESS
You can find course
details and Register on
our newly-designed
website: www.firstunitarian-pgh.org.
Click "Our Shared
Ministry" then "Lifespan
Faith Development,"
then "Adult Faith
Development. "
Program Guide link:
www.first-unitarianpgh.org/
adultfaithdevelopment/
fallcatalog.pdf
Registration
link: http://
fs18.formsite.com/
FirstUnitarianChurch/
AdultFaith/index.html
Adult Faith
Development
Committee Members
Julie Childers, chair
Marie Baird
Linda Fleming
Mary Schinhofen
Bob Sullivan
Rev. Robin L. Zucker
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
January 2015
LIFESPAN FAITH DEVELOPMENT
(continued)
THE MEETINGHOUSE
(continued)

Bad Girls of the Bible
Four Sundays, Apr 12, 19, 26 and
May 3. 1:15 - 3:00 p.m. Leader:
Mary Schinhofen
 “From
Jesus to Christ: The First
Christians” PBS FRONTLINE DVD
and discussion series - Four
Wednesdays, Feb 11 and 18,
March 4 and 11, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
and Four Sundays, Mar 1, 8, 15,
and 29, 1:15 - 2:45 p.m. Leaders:
John Ballance, Intern Minister and
Alice Lieb.
PATH TO SPRIITUAL GROWTH:
 Spirit
in Motion, a Dance Choir
seminar - Three Mondays, Feb 2,
March 2 and April 6, 7:30 - 9:00
p.m. Leader: Mary Pat Mengato.
 Dark
Green Religion: An
Introduction - Four Mondays, Mar
30, Apr 6, 13 and 20, 7:30-9:00
p.m. Leader: Dave Dunn, Intern
Minister.
 Walking
PATH TO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
 Common
Read: Reclaiming
Prophetic Witness, by Paul Rasor.
A cluster-wide “town meeting”
about the book will be held later in
2015, led by cluster activists. NOTE:
The book is available to purchase
at the First Unitarian bookstore; we
also have “library” copies to
borrow.
 FLICKS
THAT STICK: “Cloudburst”
Pride movie and discussion Friday,
June 12, 7:30 pm.
PATH TO LEADERSHIP:
 Financial
Integrity - Transforming
Your Relationship with Money.
Three Sundays in 2015: Jan 4, 11,
and 18, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Leader:
Trina Brown.
 Compassionate
Communications
Basics - Ten Saturday mornings,
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Mar 7, 21, 28,
Apr 4, 18, 25, May 2, 16, 23, and
30 (note gaps). Leader: Claus
Makowka.
Towards Walden
(rescheduled form rained out date)
- Sunday, May 31, 2:00 - 4:00 pm.
Leader: Rev. Robin Landerman
Zucker, Assistant Minister.
PASTORAL GATHERINGS:
 Essays
from “The Unspeakable,”
Coffee and Conversation at the
Chalice Café - Tuesdays, 10:0011:30 a.m., Feb 17; Mar 3, 17, 31
and Apr 14. Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Leader: Rev. Robin Zucker.
 Spiritual
Road Trips in the Burgh:
Kirtan, Meditation, Taize and
Labyrinth - Dates and Times TBA.
Leader: Rev. Robin Zucker.
 When
Mother’s Day Hurts: A
Sharing Circle - Sunday, May 10,
1:15 - 2:45 p.m. We will gather for
reflection, sharing and support.
Leader: Rev. Robin Landerman
Zucker.
Also in the works at the Meetinghouse:
A Rise Up Singing winter folk
gathering and a vegan potluck Spring
picnic in the garden. Watch for
details.
7
Covenant
Groups at
First
Unitarian
Church
Covenant Groups are
an important part of
the Adult Faith
Development program.
A covenant group
includes six to twelve
church members and
friends who meet
regularly and
intentionally to build a
sense of community
with one another and to
share the process of
personal spiritual
growth. A covenant
group offers
opportunities for
friendship, spiritual
growth, mutual
responsibility,
leadership, and service.
Many people have
found that belonging to
a covenant group has
become one of the most
important parts of their
connection with First
Unitarian Church. A
covenant group
orientation will be
scheduled for this
Spring. Look for details.
To learn more about
covenant groups, please
see the church web
site: http://www.firstunitarian-pgh.org/
ministry/covenantgroups
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
January 2015
PITTSBURGH
lopment
Lifetime Faith Deve
REflections
s News
ie
r
t
is
in
M
h
t
u
o
Y
d
Children an
First Unitarian Church of
Pittsburgh-Children and
Youth Ministries
Calendar of Events January 4 Regular RE Classes resume. Children’s Chapel for grades 1—5 at both 9:30 and 11 a.m. January 11 Regular RE Classes at 9:30 and 11:00am. Junior High class at 9:30am only, Senior High at 11am. Coming of Age, 5‐7pm. January 18 9:30 a.m.: Workshops for grades 1‐5, class for PreK/
K, Junior High 11:00a.m.: Classes for Prek/K, 1st‐2nd, 3rd‐5th, High School Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well‐being of a person or ani‐
mal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way. A
~ Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Happy new Year!
s we pack up our holiday decorations for another 11 months, eat the last of the sweets and get ready to resume life’s usual routine, here are a few photos from the Fall and Winter. We invite you to come and join us in the New Year! We will be exploring themes of “Right and Wrong”, “Accountability,” “Calling” and “Spiritual Growth” together and how they relate to the values of Unitarian Universalism. Peace to you and yours, Jennifer Halperin
Director of Children and Youth Ministry
January 25 9:30 a.m. Workshops for grades 1‐5, class for PreK/
K, Junior High 11:00 a.m. Classes for Prek/K, 1st‐2nd, 3rd‐5th, High School NURSERY CARE
February 1 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.: Social Action Sunday for grades 1‐5. 9:30 a.m.: Classes for PreK/K, Junior High 11:00 a.m. Classes for Prek/K, High School COMING OF AGE
MENTORS AND MENTEES
NATIVITY PAGEANT
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
January 2015
Children and Youth Ministries Theme of the Month Right and Wrong
The Coming of Age group baked cookies together in mid December and sold them on Sunday, December 14th. All proceed were to go for a charitable organization of their choice. The group decided to channel the funds toward Pittsburgh Students Against Police Brutality in response to the Ferguson ruling and race‐related violence toward African American men. They also voted to direct a percentage to Animal Friends no‐kill animal shelter in Pittsburgh. It was encouraging to me that many of the youth were interested in working against systemic racism which, YOUUTH NUUS
among other effects, disproportionately incarcerates men of color. We will be in touch with the student group to stand in solidarity and witness. ‐ JH Fundamentals of Healthy Youth
Ministry for Youth and
prospective Advisors. March 20 22, 2015. Contact Jennifer
Halperin at jbhalperin@
yahoo.com for more information.
**************************
Ohio Meadville District Youth
Schedule 2015
Social Action Conference YAC
Meeting: a meeting to plan the
Social Action Con. January 2324 at the UU Fellowship of
Wayne County, Wooster, OH
Daisies
We have enough daisies for a full bouquet for all those who helped organize and
lead activities this past fall and winter! Daisies to Eva Beal, John Dellaera and
the HS youth for coordinating food preparation for the men's shelter dinner in
December. Daisies to Chris Milcarek who did her usual fabulous job of
organizing the Holiday Craft-Making Fair and to Chris and Linda Fleming who
decorated the Mitten Tree with handmade scarves, hats and mittens. and to all
the elves who helped make our Craft Fair a success. Daisies to Mary Denison,
who directed the Christmas Eve Nativity pageant, and to Rev. David who led
the Family Choir for the pageant. And Daisies to our church operations staff,
especially Rita Gates, Marlee Keffer and Dan Laity for navigating us
smoothly through the busy holiday season!
Social Action Conference: March
6—8, 2015, For Senior High
students and older Junior High
students. First Unitarian
Church Cleveland, Shaker
Heights, OH.
Spring Con YAC Meeting: a
meeting to plan Spring
Conference. April 17-18 at
Unitarian Universalist Church
of Akron.
Spring (All Ages) Con: A con for
all ages. That's 7th graders,
through 19 year old. Because
of the vast age range, 7th and
8th graders are only permitted
to attend if they have attended
a Junior High Con. May 1517.First UU Church of
Columbus, OH.
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
January 2015
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
NEW CONGREGATIONAL STUDY/ACTION
ISSUE (CSAI) ~ ESCALATING INEQUALITY
Escalating Inequality
Delegates at the 2014 General Assembly in Providence, RI,
selected “Escalating Inequality” to be the 2014-2018
Congregational Study/Action Issue (CSAI) of the Unitarian
Universalist Association (UUA) of Congregations.
The Congregational Study/Action Issue is an invitation for
congregations and districts to take a topic of concern and
engage it, reflect on it, learn about it, respond to it, comment on it take action—
each in their own way. A CSAI is NOT a statement—it is a question.
 Read
the complete text of the CSAI, "Escalating Inequality".
 Key Dates in the Escalating Inequality CSAI Process.
 Download the Escalating Inequality CSAI Study Guide (PDF, 19 pages).
Challenging extreme inequality is a moral imperative. The escalation of
inequality undergirds so many injustices which our faith movement is committed to
addressing: from economic injustice to mass incarceration; from migrant injustice to
climate change; from sexual and gender injustice to attacks on voting rights. This
Study Guide provides Unitarian Universalist congregations with materials and
guidance for beginning or deepening their exploration of economic justice,
helping to navigate this complex and inspiring subject with many ways to engage
at personal, congregational, local, state, national, and global levels.
http://www.uua.org/economic/escalatinginequality/index.shtml.
BLACK LIVES MATTER
Join the fight to end police brutality and
s y s t e m i c r a c i s m i n P i t t s b u r g h , PA a n d b e y o n d !
Community organizers, activists
and concerned citizens are
working together to win this
fight.
There are several working
groups you can participate in to
play your part, such as:
- Direct Action
- Community Outreach
- Government/Policy Reform
- Legal Team/Activist Training
- Media/Messaging
- Justice Economics
Childcare will be provided. All
are encouraged to bring drinks
and snacks.
If you are unable to attend but
would like to participate,
please email
[email protected]
or message the Pittsburgh Activism and
Events page.
If you would like to stay informed
about further actions and volunteering
opportunities regarding police brutality
and systemic racism, we will be
10
Unitarian Universalist
Partner Church
Council
announces a
Pilgrimage to NE India
& Khasi Hills
March 8 - 18, 2015.
10 days/9 nights- from
$1,489/person
Experience first-hand this
unique outpost of
Unitarianism and enjoy
the gracious hospitality of
the Khasi people. Visit the
Annie Margaret Barr
Children's Village, the
Secondary School in
Kharang we have been
supporting for many years,
several Unitarian churches
and general sightseeing
features. Optional “Golden
Triangle” Extension to
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
March 2 - 8, 2015
7 days/6 nights-from
$1,495/person. Old Delhi,
New Delhi, the Taj Mahal,
Red Fort, Qutub Minar,
Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat
(Gandhi's cremation site),
Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri
(the Sandstone City).
6 day tour of Northern
India. Guided trip with
fellow UU's. for more
information go to
uupcc.org
Celeste Taylor
Social Action
Coordinator
Contact at:
412.621.8008 x104
uusjcpittsburgh@
gmail.com
Office Hours:
Wednesdays,
Noon-3:00 p.m.
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
January 2015
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
(continued)
BLACK LIVES MATTER
(continued)
providing regular updates via our FB
Page Pittsburgh Activism and
Events: https://www.facebook.com/
pittsburghactions and via our email
address pittsburghactivismandevents@
gmail.com.
Other organizations in the Greater
Pittsburgh area that are helping to
tackle these issues you may wish to join
or be a part of are listed below:
 New
Voices Pittsburgh - http://
www.newvoicespittsburgh.org/
1Hood Media - http://1hood.org/
 A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition-Pittsburgh https://www.facebook.com/
answerpgh
 Fight Back Pittsburgh - http://
fightbackpittsburgh.org/
 W.W.H.A.T.S. U.P. Pittsburgh http://wwhatsup.wordpress.com/
 New Afrikan Independence Party www.newafrikan.org
 One Pittsburgh - http://
www.onepittsburgh.org/
 The Thomas Merton Center- http://
www.thomasmertoncenter.org
 Students for Justice In Palestine https://www.facebook.com/sjpal
 Judah Fellowship - https://
www.facebook.com/
JUDAHFellowship
 Love Front Porch - http://
lovefrontporch.com/
 Human
Rights Coalition-Fed Up! http://prisonerstories.blogspot.com/
 Alliance for Police Accountability https://www.facebook.com/APAPGH
 Made It - https://
www.facebook.com/…/MADE-ITMaking-…/1532475490307752
 Black Political Empowerment Project http://www.b-pep.net/
 Pittsburgh Student Activism Coalition https://www.facebook.com/PghSAC
 American Friends Service Committee http://afsc.org/office/pittsburgh-pa
 Party for Socialism and Liberation https://www.facebook.com/pghpsl
 Human Rights City Alliance - http://
pgh-humanrightscity.wikispaces.com/
 Black and White Reunion/Summit
Against Racism - http://
summitagainstracism.blogspot.com/
 First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh http://www.first-unitarian-pgh.org/,
http://standingonthesideoflove.org/
tag/black-lives-matter/
For more information about how to get
involved, contact:
Celeste Taylor
Social Action Coordinator
First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh
605 Morewood Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Office hours by Appointment
412.621.8008 x104
11
Black and White
Reunion
17th Annual
Summit Against
Racism
Saturday January 24
East Liberty Presbyterian
Church
116 S. Highland Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Workshops, Panels,
Discussion, Information
Tables, Education and
Strategies for Racial
Justice!
Breakfast and Lunch
Included in Registration
Adults $25, Students, LowIncome, Seniors $10,
Groups of 5 or more $10
each. Limited Scholarships
Available! No one turned
away for lack of funds!
Contact info:
summitagainstracism@
gmail.com
or 412-501-3355
January 2015
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
(continued)
EECM
FOOD PANTRY
COLLECTION
You are invited to
bring contributions
for the East End
Cooperative Ministry
Food Pantry to the
9:30 or 11:00 worship
service on the first
Sunday of each
month. All nonperishable food items
are welcome.
Following is a
suggested schedule of
items:
January
peanut butter
February
tuna or vegetarian
alternative
March
canned soup
April
canned meat or
vegetarian alternative
May
jelly, jam, or
preserves
June
boxed meals
July
pancake mix
August
chili
September
pasta
October
spaghetti sauce
November
canned fruit
December
beef stew or
vegetarian alternative
SOCIAL ACTION COUNCIL
Committees Leaders and
Representatives:
- Alternative Gift Market Committee
(AGM), Cindy Kirsch
- Congregational Study/Action Issue
(CSAI) Reproductive Justice
Committee, Pat Ulbrich
- East End Cooperative Ministry
(EECM): Kim Lincoln, general; Keith
Bryner, Men’s Shelter Meals
- Green Sanctuary Committee, Peg
Schmidt
- Matters of Racial Equality (MORE)
Our work is guided by the seven
Committee, Kay Gordon
principles which Unitarian Universalist
- Multicultural Transition Team,
congregations affirm and promote: 1 ~
Vespera Barrow and Tara Tappen
Each person is important. 2 ~ Be kind in
- Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact
all you do. 3 ~ We're free to learn
Network (PIIN) Core Team: vacancy,
together. 4 ~We search for what is
general; Education Committee, Irene
true. 5 ~ All people need a voice. 6 ~
Haberman
Build a fair and peaceful world. 7 ~
- Share the Plate Committee, Laura
We care for the Earth.
Conkle
Activities: Long-term Strategizing,
- Social Justice Endowment
Sponsoring Justice Actions, Supporting
Committee, Maureen Porter
Social Action Groups
- Unitarian Universalist Pennsylvania
Legislative Advocacy Network
Meetings: First Wednesdays, 7:00 (UUPLAN): Reproductive Justice, Liz
8:30 p.m., Undercroft Gallery
Perkins; LGBTQ, David Green;
Staff Coordinator: Celeste Taylor,
Economic Justice (vacancy),
([email protected]) or
Immigration Reform (vacancy)
412.621.8008 ext.104. Regular office - Unitarian Universalist Service
and phone conference hours on
Committee (UUSC), Ebe Emmons-Apt
- Unitarian Universalists for Justice in
Wednesday (Noon-3pm).
the Middle East (UUJME), Kathy
Parker
Purpose:
 To coordinate our social justice
actions over the year throughout the
church.
 To share learnings and expertise.
 To strategize so that our social action
and justice efforts align with the
mission of First Unitarian Church of
Pittsburgh.
 To raise visibility of our
congregation's commitment to social
action.
SOCIAL JUSTICE CALENDAR
Men’s Shelter Meal Preparation: First
Sunday each month.
Green Sanctuary meetings: First
Sunday each month.
Share the Plate: Third Sunday each
month.
Social Action Council meetings: First
Wednesday each month.

12
Matters of Racial Equality (MORE)
meetings: Fourth Sunday each month.
The PIIN Core Team meetings: Third
Monday each month.
Collection for EECM Food Pantry: Any
Sunday
Multicultural Transition Team
meetings: First Thursday each month.

THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
(continued)
LET FREEDOM SING!
The 8th Annual Concer t Celebrations of
the Mar tin Luther King Holiday
Saturday, January 17, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2001 Wylie Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (Hill District)
AND
Monday, January 19, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
McKeesport Area High School, 1960 Eden Park Blvd, McKeesport, PA 15132
Several area choirs will join forces to celebrate the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. with the goal of blurring the geographic, demographic, and economic
lines separating urban and suburban Pittsburgh. The concerts will benefit the
Food Banks of Pittsburgh and of Westmoreland County.
Let Freedom Sing! will feature original oratory by nationally recognized
performance artist Vanessa German. The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh
will perform and then be joined for the final set of choral selections by several
area choirs, including the choirs from Franklin Regional High School, McKeesport
Area High School, Wilkinsburg High School, the Lemington Chorale, the Greater
Pittsburgh Unitarian Universalist Choirs, the Steel City Men’s Chorale, and the
University of Pittsburgh Men’s Glee Club. On Monday night only, the Annointed
Children of God Mime Ministry from Macedonia Baptist Church will perform.
Let Freedom Sing! will bring together white people and people of color, city
neighborhoods and suburbs, young and old participants and audience members
in the spirit of Dr. King's vision of unity. Through musical selections and oratory,
the event will demonstrate the importance of becoming actively involved in
community affairs, working toward a common goal, and making a positive
difference in the lives of others.
CONTACTS
Rev. Dr. Herbert V.R.P. Jones
The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh
Dept. of Music, CCAC, Allegheny Campus
[email protected]
Cell: 412-613-5825
Kris Rust
Music Department, Franklin
Regional High School
[email protected]
412.352.8488
There comes a time when one must take a position that is
neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it
because conscience tells him it is right.
~ The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
13
January 2015
January 2015
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
(continued)
UUPLAN UPDATE
Raise the
Wage
PA
Agenda
12pm – Pick up
Lunch and Sign in
Time to Raise the Minimum
Wage in PA
Kick-Off Meeting for the New Legislature
12:15 Plenary
Rick Bloomingdale, AFLCIO; Bill Sponsors, Rep.
Patti Kim and Sen.
Tartaglione; Governor Wolf
(not confirmed), Religious
speaker (not confirmed),
Sandra Thompson,
NAACP, Low wage worker,
Philadelphia
Unemployment Project
1 PM – Workshops
Raise the Wage PA
Tuesday, January 27, 2015 Noon to 3 PM
Grace United Methodist Church, 216 State St.
Harrisburg
- Tipped minimum wage
- How to Bring more allies
into the struggle
- Local organizing & social
media
- How MW legislation
would move in the
Legislature
- Wage Theft
- Messaging and polling
- Results from other cities
and states
- Working with small
business
1:45 PM Plenary
Economics of low wages/
wage stagnation, Keystone
Research Center
Messaging/polling/other
states- Richard Kirsch,
Lobbying today &
coordinated local day of
legislative visits- John
Meyerson
2:30 PM
Walk to the Capitol
and visit legislators
with a literature drop
to Raise the Wage!
Contact Erin Kramer
at One Pittsburgh at
[email protected]
Pennsylvania is the only state in our region with a $7.25 minimum
wage. We are organizing to win at least a $10.10/hr,
minimum wage this year for PA!
Over 70% of Pennsylvanians support the higher minimum wage
and over 1 million low wage workers will get a raise if we
succeed.
Join labor, religious, community, civil rights, women’s groups and
elected officials as we kick off our campaign for a fair
minimum wage in PA.
Transportation provided from Pittsburgh - Contact Erin Kramer at
One Pittsburgh.Her email address is [email protected]
14
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
January 2015
PITTSBURGH
CARING COMMUNITY
WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Founded in Pittsburgh in 1891
Preser ve the legac y!
Join us on the first and third Thursdays of each month,10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in
the Schweitzer Room (coffee at 10:00 a.m., meeting at 10:30 a.m., program at
11:00 a.m., lunch at noon).
Good company, good programs, good conversation, good cookies.
Bring your lunch.
Questions about Women's Alliance? Contact Ellen Parkes Collie, Co-Chair, 412-435-8646,
[email protected] or Betty Duquesnoy, Co-Chair, 412-682-6161,
[email protected].
January 15. Josephine Koss speaks
about “Death With Dignity—My
Personal Story.”
January 29. Save the date for a Tour
of the Frick's Charles Courtney Curran
exhibit “Seeking the Ideal,” followed
by lunch. We will have more
information as the date approaches.
There will be a sign-up sheet at the
January 15th meeting. Contact Kathie
Brody at 412-563-6953.
TRANSITIONS GATHER-IN
Second Mondays, 10:00 a.m. - noon
“Transitions Gather-In”, a group of
folks talking about life transitions, the
challenges we face as we get older, as
we want to down-size, as we find living
in our homes harder, as we just want to
make our lives simpler, meets once a
month on the second Mondays of the
month.
Please come if you would like to talk
about these life issues with us.
W O M A N S P I R I T ~ S e c o n d We d n e s d a y s
Womanspirit is the evening women’s
group at First Unitarian Church. We
meet on the second Wednesday of
every month for a pot-luck dinner in a
member’s home. Dinner is usually
followed by a group discussion focused
on what we value in our lives, or how
we can improve our own lives or our
communities. We welcome new
members and friends of First Unitarian.
A Womanspirit dinner is an
entertaining and low-impact way to
meet other women of a broad range of
ages and interests.
To receive regular notice of our
monthly dinners, contact Pat Schuetz at
[email protected] or 412-7311429.
15
Men’s Group
January 14
The January meeting
of the Men's Group
will be from 7:30 9:00 p.m.,
Wednesday, January
14 in the Semple
Room. Jay Powell will
be the leader with the
topic, “Teaching
Using Virtual
Realities.” Anticipate
opportunities to
discuss and compare
this and various
teaching methods
with which we may be
familiar. Contact: Jim
Reitz, J5650R@
comcast.net.
Faith Stenning left
glassware, works
of art, mementos,
small collectibles
which are free and
being displayed at
the home of Gen
Mann. Contact Gen
at 412-661-5947 or
[email protected]
January 2015
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
CARING COMMUNITY
(continued)
OUR CARING CONNECTIONS
OUR
MISSION
The mission of the First
Unitarian Church of
Pittsburgh is to . . .
Connect deeply in
community
Inspire reverence and
spiritual growth
Serve each other and the
world
We connect deeply in
community by . . .
gathering together in
fellowship in a safe space
listening with empathy
and without judgment
warmly welcoming
everyone who enters
our doors
We inspire reverence and
spiritual growth by . . .
celebrating and
exploring the moments
of awe we experience in
life
encouraging each other
along our journeys
toward truth and
meaning
fostering humility in the
pursuit of wisdom and
understanding
We serve each other and
the world by . . .
providing support to
those experiencing
hardship or distress
working for social justice
by standing on the side
of Love
being active stewards of
our environment
Confidential pastoral care is available
to all members and friends, new and
longstanding. Our Caring Connections
program is coordinated by the Rev.
Robin Zucker. If you would like to join
the Caring Connections team, please
contact the Rev. Zucker at 412-7276870 or [email protected].
Threshold Choir Founded in 2007, the
Pittsburgh Threshold Choir honors an
ancient tradition of women singing
a cappella at the bedsides of people
who are dying, ill, or experiencing a
difficult life transition. They share the
healing gift of voices in private
homes, hospitals, hospice facilities, or
anywhere and any time when support
Helping Hands provides concrete
through song is appropriate. To request
assistance (such as rides and meal
a visit by the choir (or inquire about
coordination) to church members and
joining the group) , please contact Rev.
provides opportunities for congregation
Robin or Choir Director Cindy Harris
members to reach out to others. To
(412-447-1812; [email protected].
express a need or volunteer, please
contact the Rev. Robin at 412-727Marion's Purse has practical resources
6870 or [email protected].
to share. We have bus tickets, Giant
Eagle cards, and cash reserves in our
Kindred Spirits: The ministers are
fund to help with financial and life
assisted by a Lay Pastoral Care Team,
needs. Please contact Rev. Robin in
who companion church members in
confidence. Donations are welcome
need of spiritual and emotional support
(checks to First Unitarian with Marion's
during life challenges; they offer a
Purse in the memo).
presence for elders, caregivers, and
families in crisis. Please contact
We have created a Medical
coordinator MR Kelsey at 412- 362Equipment Loan Program. If you have
1514 or [email protected].
items to loan or need to borrow
something, please contact Jim Reitz at
Homemade Cook It Forward meals are
[email protected]
available in our church freezer. Please
Contact the ministers, the church office,
let Mary Ruth (MR) Kelsey,
[email protected] (412-362- the Director of Religious Education, a
1514) or Rev. Robin know you'd like to musical group, or your covenant group,
put together a meal for one of our
when you or someone you know is in
need of support or care. Please contact
congregants.
the ministers with pastoral life issues, to
Comfort Quilts Two beautiful comfort
be included in the pastoral prayer on
quilts have been created by First U
Sunday morning, or about memorial
quilters. These washable quilts can be
services.
loaned to members and friends who
seek comfort as they cope with illness,
loss or other difficult life events. Please
contact Rev. Robin or Mary Ruth
Kelsey.
16
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
January 2015
STEWARDSHIP
F RO M Y O U R B OA R D O F T RU S T E E S
As most of us know by now, our pledge
drive this fall has fallen short of the
funding needed to cover our staff and
programming costs as laid out in our
2015 budget. The Board wishes to
assure the congregation up front that
we will be deliberate and careful as
we address this challenge.
The Board met with church members at
the Congregational Budget Meeting on
Sunday December 14 to explain the
situation, in which 65 households have
not yet made a pledge for 2015, and
35 households have reduced their
pledges in an aggregate amount of
$35,000. At the time of that meeting,
the total shortfall was roughly
$83,000. Bar charts provided by
Brady Hunsaker, Board president,
helped make clear the difference
between the pledge total this year and
prior years.
back into balance, and to determine if
there are deeper concerns we should
address in the future running of the
church.
Board Members
2014/2015
The actions we plan to take include
making an immediate appeal to the
congregation as a whole to do what
you can to “fill the gap” – perhaps to
increase your pledge if you can, or
make a pledge if you have not yet
done so. In January, we will be
initiating some contacts with folks who
have not pledged, first, out of concern
that something may be wrong, and
second, out of concern that an
institutional critique may account for a
reduced or withheld pledge. It would
be helpful to be aware in either case.
Brady Hunsaker,
President (2016)
Amy DeChicchis,
Vice President (2015)
Vespera Barrow (2015)
Marty Lieb (2017)
Brian Rohleder (2015)
Bari Roman (2017)
Corey Layman (2016)
Kathy Parker (2016)
Tara Tappan (2017)
The Board is further considering the
option of conducting a survey of the full
membership in the hope that this would
help us understand what it will be
important to protect in the process of
“rightsizing” our programming and
staff structures, if that becomes
necessary. We would want such a
survey to include questions that may be
pertinent to these issues. We will be
contacting you soon about whether and
when you may be asked to participate
in such a survey.
Church members raised important
questions and expressed concerns
about what we should do. The Board
heard members express a desire to
know more about our budget and how
it relates to staff and program
expenses; members also want the
Board to reach out to the 65 members
who have not yet pledged; determine
via a survey why pledges are down;
Your Board is very aware of the
and keep the congregation informed of
questions and concerns raised by this
any plans to right-size our
shortfall in pledging, and we
programming or adjust our budget.
understand the need for all of us as a
congregation to work together on
The Board held its regular meeting on
moving forward toward resolving it.
Wednesday, December 17, in which
We welcome your questions, insights,
we sorted through our sense of the
counsel, and assistance as you feel
comments made at the December 14
budget meeting. We then worked out a able to offer it. Feel free to contact us!
series of steps to be pursued as both
Kathy Parker
short term and long term efforts to
[email protected]
bring our budget and programming
17
Board Contacts:
Brady Hunsaker,
President
bradyhunsaker@
gmail.com
412-370-8307
Amy DeChicchis, Vice
President
amydech50@
gmail.com
412-421-1367
January 2015
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
STEWARDSHIP
(continued)
C H U RC H G RO U P L E A D E R S
OUR
MISSION
The mission of the First
Unitarian Church of
Pittsburgh is to . . .
Connect deeply in
community
Inspire reverence and
spiritual growth
Serve each other and the
world
We connect deeply in
community by . . .
gathering together in
fellowship in a safe space
listening with empathy
and without judgment
warmly welcoming
everyone who enters
our doors
We inspire reverence and
spiritual growth by . . .
celebrating and
exploring the moments
of awe we experience in
life
encouraging each other
along our journeys
toward truth and
meaning
fostering humility in the
pursuit of wisdom and
understanding
We serve each other and
the world by . . .
providing support to
those experiencing
hardship or distress
working for social justice
by standing on the side
of Love
being active stewards of
our environment
Committees, covenant groups, performing arts groups, social action groups, and
affinity groups are opportunities for you to become involved in the life of First
Unitarian Church. Some of these groups provide opportunities for you to be of
service to our church, some provide opportunities for you to explore your own
personal spiritual journey, some provide opportunities for artistic expression, and
some provide opportunities for you to help make the world a better place. And
all of these groups offer opportunities for you to build a sense of community with
others here at our church.
Board of Trustees – Brady Hunsaker
- Building Expansion Committee – Corey
Layman
- Organ Renovation Committee – Roy Matway
Nominating Committee – Irma Tani
Stewardship Council
- Annual Budget Drive Committee - Raeann
Olander-Murray and Alison Schwartz
- Building Committee – Ray Schinhofen
- Fantasy Auction Committee – David Doorley
and Patricia Goettel
- Garden and Grounds Committee – Suzanne
Powell
- Investment Committee – Claus Makowka
- Marketing and Communications Committee
- Rob Schwartz
- Memorial Garden Committee – Linda
Kauffman
- Operations Administrative Team – Rita
Gates
- Planned Giving Committee – [TBD]
- Program Administrative Team – Rev. David
Herndon
- Right Relations Team – Holly McCullough
- Safe Congregations Team – Jennifer Halperin
- Shared Ministry Committee – Jim Bain
Worship Council
- Sunday Celebrations Committee – Louise
Jencik
- Ushers and Greeters Committee – Rev. David
Herndon
18
Music and the Arts Council – Brian Junker
- Art Committee – Ali Masalehdan
- Dance Choir – Mary Pat Mengato
- Family Choir – Rev. David Herndon
- Folk Orchestra – Emily Pinkerton
- Music Endowment Committee – Shelagh
Collins
- Recorder Ensemble – Mary Denison
- Sanctuary Choir – Jon Erik Schreiber
- SongSpace – Linda and Mark Holsing
- Young Adult Spoken Word Choir – Rev.
David Herndon
Lifespan Faith Development Council
- Adult Faith Development Committee – Julie
Childers
- Bookstore Committee – Cathy Kerr and Mary
Schinhofen
- Campus Ministry Endowment Committee –
Jennifer Detchon
- Endowment for Ministry with Children and
Youth – Jennifer Halperin
- Library Committee – Mary Schinhofen
- Religious Education Committee – Cathy
Rohrer
- Sunday Morning Forum Steering Committee
– Michael Lotze
- Young Adult and Campus Ministry
Community – Jennifer Detchon
- Young Adult Steering Committee – Taylor
Paglisotti
(continued)
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
January 2015
STEWARDSHIP
(continued)
C H U RC H G RO U P L E A D E R S
(continued)
Social Action Council – Celeste Taylor
Gift Market Committee – Cindy
Kirsch
- East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) –
Keith Bryner and Kim Lincoln
- Green Sanctuary Committee – Peg Schmidt
- Inter-Arts Social Justice Committee – Dave
Green and Bruce McConachie
- Khasi Hills Partnership Committee – Ebe
Emmons-Apt
- Matters of Racial Equality (MORE) – Kay
Gordon
- Multicultural Transition Team – Vespera
Barrow and Tara Tappen
- Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN)
Core Team – Irene Habermann
- Reproductive Justice Committee – Pat
Ulbrich
- Social Justice Endowment Committee –
Maureen Porter
- Share the Plate Committee – Laura Conkle
- Unitarian Universalist Pennsylvania
- Alternative
Legislative Advocacy Network (UUPLAN) –
David Green and Liz Perkins
- Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the
Middle East (UUJME) – Kathy Parker
- Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
(UUSC) – Ebe Emmons-Apt
Caring Community Council
Ministry Discussion Group – Jim
Pashek and Annie Stunden
- Covenant Group Advisory Committee – TBD
- Gathering of Men – Jim Reitz
- Helping Hands – Rev. Robin Zucker
- Humanist Group – Roy Frye
- Kindred Spirits - Rev. Robin Zucker
- Membership Committee – Lynne Porterfield
- Quilters – Annie Stunden
- Social Events Committee – Eileen Hastings
- Transitions – Mary Schinhofen
- Womanspirit – Pat Schuetz
- Women’s Alliance – Betty Duquesnoy and
Kathie Brodie
- Addictions
Scientists have discovered that the small, brave act of
cooperating with another person, of choosing trust over
cynicism, generosity over selfishness, makes the brain light up
with quiet joy.
~ Natalie Angier
B O O K S T O R E O P E N ~ J A N U A RY 1 1
The First Unitarian Bookstore will be
open after both services on Sunday,
January 11th. We now have Paul
Rasor's book, Reclaiming Public
Witness: Liberal Religion in the Public
Square, which is the UU Common Read
for 2014-2015 and which will be
discussed at First Church. Please visit,
browse, and, if you are so moved, buy!
19
BUY
BEACON
BOOKS
When you are
considering gifts for
those near and dear
to you (for holidays,
for birthdays, for
anniversaries, and so
on), please consider
buying books from
Beacon Press.
Founded in 1854,
Beacon Press is the
publishing house
owned by the
Unitarian
Universalist
Association. Beacon
Press publishes books
that reflect our
progressive,
humanitarian values.
You can visit the
Beacon Press web site
by visiting the UUA
Bookstore at
www.uuabookstore.
org or by going
directly to
www.beacon.org/
index.html. Our very
own First Unitarian
Church Bookstore
stocks many books
from Beacon Press.
You can also order
Beacon Press books
by calling the UUA
Bookstore at 800/215
-9076.
January 2015
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
STEWARDSHIP
(continued)
TO THE POINT: Unitarian Universalist
“Eleva tor Speeches”
Women’s
Alliance
Grants
The Women’s
Alliance of the First
Unitarian Church is
pleased to
announce the
following grants to
the Music Program:
1.Sanctuary
Choir: $600.00
for the purchase
of additional
paperback blue/
green hymnals
Quick! What is Unitarian Universalism?
If you’ve been tongue-tied about how
to answer this question, you are not
alone. The UUA has produced a
brochure of brief responses - short
enough for an elevator ride, cashier
line, or sidewalk (or soccer sideline)
chat. We will include one each month
in the Chalice. Feel free to use them as
is, or let them inspire your own
responses. Do you have an elevator
speech about UUism? Send it to Rev.
Robin at [email protected]
UU Elevator Speech #10
“Unitarian Universalists have different religious beliefs but
share a common faith. We know that life is holy, that each
person is worthy, and that, when we join together to plant
the seeds of love, the world blossoms.”
2.Music
Committee:
$75.00 for
construction work
to house the
Choir’s folders
among other
things
3.Folk Orchestra:
$300.00 for a
microphone
4.Dance Choir:
$200.00 for
music and
costumes
~ Erik Resly
GIANT EAGLE GIFT CARDS
You can provide muchneeded financial support
for First Unitarian Church by
purchasing Giant Eagle gift
cards, which are available
at our table in the Gallery
after church on Sundays. Giant Eagle
gift cards can be used just like cash,
and they can be used to purchase
anything in the store - including gift
20
cards for other businesses!
First Unitarian Church
receives five percent (5%)
of all Giant Eagle gift cards
purchased at our church. Of
course, you do not have to
use gift cards as gifts; you can use
them for your own personal shopping.
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
January 2015
STEWARDSHIP
(continued)
PUBLICIZING YOUR EVENT
Do you have a church event that you would like your fellow church members and
friends to know about? Here are nine ways that you could publicize your event.
1. Newsletter. The Chalice, our church
newsletter, is published at the
beginning of each month. You may
submit items to Communications
Coordinator Jennifer Parsons at
[email protected]. The
deadline is the fifteenth day of the
preceding month. For example, the
deadline for the November
newsletter would be October 15.
2. Order of Service. You may submit
items for the weekly order of
service to Communications
Coordinator Jennifer Parsons at
[email protected]. The
deadline is noon on Wednesday
for the following Sunday.
3. Weekly All-Church Email. If you
would like to have your event in the
weekly all church email, please
email Program Assistant Marlee
Keffer at [email protected]. Events listed in the weekly
email should be relevant to all
church members and friends.
4. Facebook Page. You could post an
announcement on our Facebook
page, www.facebook.com/
firstunitarianpittsburgh. Sayf Sharif
or Christine Milcarek could help you
with this.
5. Program Guide. The
church publishes a
comprehensive
Program Guide for
the Fall, the Winter/
Spring, and the
Summer. You may
be able to publicize
your event in this
way. Please check
with Communications Coordinator
Jennifer Parsons at
[email protected]
about deadlines.
6. Bulletin Boards. You may post
flyers about your event on bulletin
boards around the church. Some
bulletin boards have restrictions.
For example, the music bulletin
board is reserved for music-related
notices.
7. Undercroft Gallery Table. You
may set up a table in the
Undercroft Gallery so that you can
share information about your event
with church members and friends
during the social hour after our
Sunday morning worship services.
8. The Church Website. We have an
on-line calendar embedded in the
church website. Program Assistant
Marlee Keffer maintains this
calendar. If you have reserved
space at the church for your event,
Marlee will most likely include your
event in the on-line calendar. But
you could check with her if you do
not see your event listed.
9. Announcements during Worship
Services. In rare circumstances,
events can be
mentioned by a worship
leader during our
Sunday morning worship
services. Events
publicized in this way
should be relevant to
the entire congregation!
21
CONTRIBUTE
VIA ELECTRONIC
FUNDS
TRANSFER
Please consider
contributing to First
Unitarian Church by
setting up a regular
electronic funds
transfer. This will move
money from your
checking or savings
account directly to First
Unitarian Church. You
can choose to make
your contribution
quarterly, monthly, bimonthly, or weekly.
This option will save
you the trouble of
writing checks and it
will help ensure a level
flow of contributions to
the church throughout
the year.
Please fill out
the Vanco form online
by clicking the
DONATE NOW
button in the left
sidebar at www.firstunitarian-pgh-org.
You can also make your
2015 pledge online by
clicking the PLEDGE
NOW button in the left
sidebar at www.firstunitarian-pgh-org.
January 2015
THE NEWSLETTER
OF
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
OF
PITTSBURGH
DENOMINATIONAL CONNECTIONS
Did You
Know?
Commissioned
Lay Leader
Program
The Commissioned
Lay Leader (CLL)
Program provides
an opportunity for
committed
Unitarian
Universalist leaders
to deepen their faith
while serving their
congregations in
more significant
ways. Since the
1970’s this program
has commissioned
dozens of lay
leaders,
strengthening
congregations in
the process.
Individuals who
satisfactorily
complete the
requirements and
are approved by the
Ohio Meadville
District Board of
Trustees will have
legal recognition as
a "Commissioned
Lay Leader" (CLL)
for a term of three
years. Learn more
about the program
at
www.ohiomeadville
.org/cllprogram
OHIO-MEADVILLE DISTRICT
WINTER INSTITUTE
February 13-16, 2015
S a l t F o r k S t a t e Pa r k , O h i o
This relaxing, fun, and “schedule-free” weekend is an intimate gathering for UUs
of all ages. There are frosty outdoor activities like sledding, hiking and cross
country skiing. For those who choose to stay in their slippers all weekend, there is
a beautiful lodge with its many cozy corners and fireplaces. The pool and hot tub
are truly a wintertime treat. There will be daily morning and evening casual
worship services, morning water aerobics (after worship,) pre-dinner cocktail hour
in the hospitality suite, and breakfast and dinner meals are included with
registration. There are fellow UUs always ready to play board games or to join in
the community jigsaw puzzle. We have wonderful community worship services and
great conversations. Check in Friday after 3:00PM.
How do I attend?
MAKE A ROOM RESERVATION: Make your ROOM RESERVATIONS directly with
the main reservation number at 1-800-AT A PARK or www.atapark.com. Specify
that you are reserving for Salt Fork and ask for the special Ohio-Meadville
Unitarian Universalist conference rate. The large rooms are scarce, so book early
if you want one. (ROOMS IN THE OMD BLOCK WILL BE HELD ONLY UNTIL
JANUARY 15, 2015).
REGISTER FOR WINTER INSTITUTE: EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION! Save Money and
book before January 6, 2015. The registrar is Beth Casebolt, OMD Administrator.
You can register by mail or online.
Register Online with this link. Note the Registration Deadline is February 6th at
midnight! Early-Bird Registration: $135 for adults; $65 for children 4 through 10
After January 6th: $160 for adults; $80 for children 4 through 10.
No charge for children under age 4.
Your registration covers: breakfast and dinner Friday evening through Monday
morning, common room usage, worship services, use of a hospitality suite for
additional activities, and district fees.
Minors
Any minor who is attending WI without a relative must have an adult sponsor. The
minor's parent or guardian and the sponsor must complete the form, “Permission
for Minor to Attend Winter Institute,” and return the form with the minor's
registration materials.
We cannot stop the winter or the summer from coming. We cannot stop
the spring or the fall or make them other than they are. They are gifts
from the universe that we cannot refuse. But we can choose what we will
contribute to life when each arrives.
~ Gary Zukav
22
First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh
A Member of the Unitarian Universalist Association
605 Morewood Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2999
Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage Paid
PAID
Permit No. 2259
Pittsburgh PA
Address Service Requested
The Reverend Dr. David Herndon
Senior Minister
Rita Gates
Business Manager
The Reverend Robin Landerman Zucker
Assistant Minister
Brady Hunsaker
President
Jennifer Halperin
Director of Ministry with Children and Youth
The Chalice
Connect + Inspire + Serve
Newsletter of the First Unitarian Church of
Pittsburgh
Volume 16 Number 1
January 2015
Church Office Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Telephone: (412) 621-8008
FAX: (412) 621-9011
www.first-unitarian-pgh.org